THE PLAYBOOK · QINSMAN
How to play Futoshiki
Read the aim of Futoshiki, then make your first move. Place 1–4 once in each row and column while obeying every inequality. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls. Treat the first round as a chance to learn the controls. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.
Twelve 4×4 puzzles with fixed starter values.
Review a difficult moment
When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round. Keep the objective visible.
Your goal
Place 1–4 once in each row and column while obeying every inequality. Read that aim before choosing your first action. Check the rules when you are unsure.
Step by step
- Select an editable square.
- Read inequalities by their row/column coordinates below the board.
- Enter 1–4.
- Check puzzle verifies both Latin-square rules and inequalities.
Controls
Click or tap squares or graph edges. Number boards include a digit pad. Undo reverses the previous change; Check puzzle validates the solution. Use the control method described here for this activity. Contact us with the game and device if a control does not respond.
A useful example
r1c2 < r1c3 means row 1 column 2 is smaller than row 1 column 3. Compare this with the rule that governs the move. Read the matching step again.
Watch out for this
An inequality specifies order, not an exact difference. Compare the situation with the worked example. Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board.
Common questions
As a new player, what is the goal of Futoshiki?
The key detail is this: Place 1–4 once in each row and column while obeying every inequality.
When I return, how do I control Futoshiki?
Click or tap squares or graph edges. Number boards include a digit pad. Undo reverses the previous change; Check puzzle validates the solution.
As a new player, what example helps explain Futoshiki?
The key detail is this: r1c2 < r1c3 means row 1 column 2 is smaller than row 1 column 3.
Before I begin, what should I watch out for in Futoshiki?
The key detail is this: An inequality specifies order, not an exact difference.
For a quick reminder, what format does Futoshiki offer?
For clarity: Twelve 4×4 puzzles with fixed starter values.
As a new player, which play mode does Futoshiki use?
Here is the relevant explanation: The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.